Day 508 - Is Hamas’s show of force in Gaza backfiring?

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute
audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and
the Jewish world.


US bureau chief Jacob
Magid joins host Jessica
Steinberg for today's Daily Briefing.


The negotiations for extending phase one of the hostage deal will
begin Wednesday, says Magid, with US Mideast envoy Steve
Witkoff's arrival first in Israel, as Israel is currently seen as
the toughest partner. Any extension of the first phase of the
ceasefire would include only a trickle of additional hostages,
adds Magid.


Israel has also demanded that Hamas stop the ceremonies held upon
each hostage release, arranged to show that the terrorist group
is still in power in Gaza. However, says Magid, the grotesque
ceremonies have pushed the Trump administration, making them more
unwilling to accept a Hamas presence in Gaza.


There's more heat from the Arab world about the Hamas presence in
Gaza, says Magid, with leading comments from senior Hamas
politburo member Moussa Abu Marzouk in The New York Times. Magid
remarks that it's worth taking those comments at face value, as
they are also indicative of the entry of President Trump into the
equation.


Magid also looks at a United Nations vote that brought the US,
Russia and Israel together against a Ukrainian UN resolution
intended to condemn Russia. Magid comments that the vote
signifies a shift in US intentions, with the US joining Russia
and Israel taking a position because it doesn't want to
antagonize President Trump.


This conversation can also be viewed here:


Please see today's ongoing live blog for more
updates.


Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple
Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your
podcasts. This episode was produced by Ben Wallick.


For further reading:


In first, Witkoff says US looking to extend hostage
deal’s current phase


Hamas ceremonies spurring Trump pressure for Arab plan to
push group out — diplomats


Senior Hamas official: I wouldn’t have backed Oct. 7 if
I’d known outcome for Gaza


US backs Israel’s decision to push off release of 602
Palestinian security prisoners


Joining US, Israel votes against UN motion condemning
Russian invasion of Ukraine


IMAGE: People pay their respects as the coffin of hostage Oded
Lifshitz, killed in Hamas captivity, makes its way from Rishon
Lezion, February 25, 2025. (Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90)


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